Page 7 - MidWeek - Sep 7, 2022

SEPTEMBER 7, 2022 MIDWEEK 7
FApplause, Thanks Come Together
Pamela Young (left) and Darah Dung
PHOTO COURTESY DARAH DUNG
for your kindness and generosity in serving the people of Hawai‘i. We applaud you!
★★★
or 20 years, many of you were fa- miliar with the popular “Applause”- column by Pamela Young. Well, this
superwoman is not only an author, television anchor, producer and community leader, but she is also a mother, grandmother, influencer, someone I have walked the runways with at fashion shows, and a trailblazing woman I am honored to call a friend. I would like to send a big “mahalo nui” to Pamela, who has enter- tained locals with grace and class, and who continues her work as special projects pro- ducer and Mixed Plate host on KHON-TV2.
Currently, the 12-time Emmy winner is also a national trustee for the Academy of Televi- sion Arts & Sciences, while donating time and resources to her favorite causes: breast cancer prevention, music therapy for the disabled and the recognition of Asian-American veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal. Pamela and her husband, Gary Sprinkle, hold a spe- cial place in my heart for many reasons, but one in particular is that along with their busy schedules, they have been foster parents for animals looking for forever homes.
Over this past year, penning this column has been a true joy for me. It has made me look forward to receiving heartfelt letters of gratitude, stories of anonymous angels in our midst, and random acts of generosity and compassion. Reading the words of the people of Hawai‘i expressing their gratitude for com- munity leaders, neighbors, first responders, teachers, strangers, and kind souls has been uplifting and gives hope. Hope that there are good people in our world, hope that although at times we may face adversity, it is in our path for a reason, and hope that we can get through the tough times by uplifting one an- other. My hope is that this column serves as a feel-good part of your week.
I reached out to Pamela and here is what she had to say:
“Decades ago, the editors of MidWeek saw a need to give the public a voice in spreading the aloha that comes so naturally to us ka- ma‘āina. In these times of anxiety and uncer- tainty, the need for positive interaction has been greater than ever. I am so grateful that Sunshine Darah has taken up the ʻMahalo Nuiʻ task.
Thank you to everyone who has written to recognize good Samaritans, and to those who have supported this column and sent encour- aging and humorous letters. I am happy to be a part of the MidWeek ‘ohana and excited to hear more from you. Mahalo nui, Hawai’i!
“As to your praise, I am truly humbled. We never climb any big hurdle alone. I have had angels and mentors who have graced my path with compassion, understanding and a healthy dose of whimsy. Many of these life journey guides have been the women in my life: my mom, my two sisters, my teachers, my co-workers and lately ... my granddaughter! I hope I can pass on their wisdom to another generation of akamai wāhine.”
Mail letters to MidWeek c/o Mahalo Nui at 500 Ala Moana Blvd. Ste. 7-500, Honolulu HI 96813, or email mahalonuiwithdarah@gmail. com. Include your name, where on the island you reside, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of the person you’re thanking so she can contact him or her.
A very special mahalo nui, Pamela, for al- ways being so encouraging and supportive, for paving the way for women in media, and